Your 2023 Travel Guide To The Algarve
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The Algarve is one of the most beautiful regions in the world. With golden beaches, warm seasons, delicious food and amazing scenery, you will never want to leave.
If you are planning on visiting the Portuguese Coast this summer, keep on reading for our 2023 Travel Guide to the Algarve.
Where To Stay
There are lots of great cities to stay along the Algarve Coast. We strongly recommend Portimão. Only 45 minutes from Faro Airport, Portimão is ideal for families and couples. The city is right in the middle of the Algarve – perfect for your day trips out exploring.
Alvor Boardwalk
If you’re looking to stay active during your holidays then the Alvor Boardwalk is perfect for you. The even ground makes it easy to take in the incredible scenery without worrying about tripping. And with a distance of about 5 km, this walk is highly recommended.
Another benefit of this walk is that the boardwalk itself is both wheelchair and stroller accessible. However the sandy beach portion of the walk is not.
Cape St. Vincent & Sagres
The Edge of the World
Cape St. Vincent is the southwestern most point of Portugal and of mainland Europe and was once considered up until the 14th century, the end of the known world.
Along the cliff edge, you can’t help thinking about the magic and wonder of the place. The views are simply breath-taking! We recommend taking a light jacket as the winds can be very strong.
A ten minute drive from Cape St.Vincent will bring you to the magnificent Sagres Fort. The fort was originally designed to protect the town from raiders sailing in from the Mediterranean. It was from here where Henry the Navigator devised his expeditions and marked the start of Portuguese exploration.
Lagos
Lagos is full of life with plenty to do and see. The 16th century town is characterised by cobbled lanes, colourful piazzas and churches. We recommend exploring the local shops and the beautiful beaches.
Make sure to visit the world famous Ponta da Piedade which is located very close to Lagos. Here you will come across a stunning landscape of caves, grottoes and sea arches. With clear blue waters and a lush landscape full of colour, you will have arrived in paradise!
Zoomarine
You’ve enjoyed some of the most impressive sights of the Algarve so now’s the time to let your hair down! Grab your towel and swimming gear and head out to the fun-packed Zoomarine. One of Portugal’s top water parks, Zoomarine is a mixture of water-slides, amusements and zoological presentations. Whether you’re zipping down a slide or catching the dolphin show, there will be plenty of things to keep the family occupied.
Take a Boat Trip
A highlight for many visiting the Algarve is to take a boat trip visiting the coastline and caves of the Portuguse coast. We recommend booking a boat trip from Benagil Beach. Make sure to bring a waterproof camera as the views of the coastline and the caves are spectacular. Most of tours will make a stop at the world famous Benagil Cave. You will be blown away with its sheer size and beauty – it really is out of this world.
Faro Old Town
Faro as a day trip out is often over-looked. Get there early to explore the beautiful historic centre (the Cidade Velha) which is famous for its gothic cathedral and cobbled streets. There is plenty of free parking in the south of the town and from there we recommend walking up to the Arco da Vila, which is the gateway to the historic quarter.
If you are looking to cool down on your trip to Faro, head out to the Ilha Deserta beach which can be accessed from Faro via ferry. Escape the crowds and enjoy the deserted atmosphere. There is a nearby restaurant on the beach and ferry crossing are frequent to and from the Ilha Deserta.
Seven Hanging Valleys Tour
If you enjoy walking, you need to place the Seven Hanging Valleys tour onto your to-do-list. It is one of the most scenic hiking routes of the Algarve.
We recommend parking the car at Praia da Marinha and then making your way gradually west to Praia de Vale Centeanes. It’s a long walk to and back taking about 4-6 hours. But there are plenty of beaches to explore and restaurants along the way if you need to re-fuel up. Bring a camera with you and it might take longer. You will be stopping every few minutes to snap the dramatic coastline, majestic sea arches and the golden cliffs.
Silves
As your holiday comes to an end, why not make one final day trip out to the historical town of Silves. Once the ancient capital of the Algarve, Silves is a great tourist destination with plenty of sights to explore and visit.
All the streets wind up to the impressive red brick castle which dominates the town. Stop for lunch along the outdoor cafes and take in the wonder of this delightful town.
There is so much to do and explore in the Algarve and we hope you have taken some inspiration from our 2023 Guide. Wherever you go, make sure that you and your loved ones are protected with travel insurance. All Chill travel policies include COVID cancellation and medical cover as standard. Get a quote here today.
